Tag Archives: reports

August 20, 2009Comments Off on Leading economic indicators rise in July

A private research group says its forecast of economic activity rose for a fourth straight month in July, but at slower pace than in the past three months. The Conference Board’s index of leading economic indicators gained 0.6 percent last ...

More than 13 percent of American homeowners with a mortgage are either behind on their payments or in foreclosure as the recession throws more people out of work, the Mortgage Bankers Association said Thursday. The record-high numbers in the report ...

August 20, 2009Comments Off on New jobless claims rise unexpectedly to 576K

The number of first-time claims for unemployment benefits rose unexpectedly for the second straight week, a sign that jobs remain scarce even as other data show the economy is stabilizing. The Labor Department said Thursday the number of new jobless ...

August 19, 2009Comments Off on Retailers’ results top estimates; wariness remains

Retailers that reported their second-quarter earnings Tuesday made big strides in profitability from a year ago by slashing inventory and other costs, but executives predicted shoppers will remain tightfisted. At discounter TJX Cos., which operates T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods ...

August 19, 2009Comments Off on Home construction up for 5th month in a row

At least the market for new homes isn’t getting worse anymore, and that’s the first step to getting better. In fact, the overall economy is actually getting a small boost as more buyers walk into model houses ready to sign ...

August 18, 2009Comments Off on Wholesale prices drop more than expected in July

Wholesale prices dropped sharply in July, and over the past 12 months fell by the largest amount in more than six decades of record-keeping. The Labor Department said Tuesday that wholesale prices dropped 0.9 percent last month. That’s triple the ...

August 18, 2009Comments Off on US home construction falls 1 percent, misses views

Construction of new homes and apartments dipped slightly last month, missing expectations, in a sign that the building industry’s recovery from the housing bust is likely to be bumpy and gradual. The Commerce Department said Tuesday that new construction fell ...

August 14, 2009Comments Off on Consumer prices flat in July as energy retreats

Consumer prices were flat in July as energy costs retreated following a big surge in June. Over the past 12 months, prices dropped the most in nearly six decades as the recession and lower energy costs kept a lid on ...

The number of U.S. households on the verge of losing their homes rose 7 percent from June to July, as the escalating foreclosure crisis continued to outpace government efforts to limit the damage. Foreclosure filings were up 32 percent from ...

The number of newly laid-off workers filing claims for unemployment benefits rose unexpectedly last week and retail sales disappointed in July. The latest government reports reinforced concerns about how quickly consumers will be able to contribute to a broad economic ...